Chicago's dog beaches vary in breed

Moraine Park Dog Beach

Tribune photo by Lane Christiansen

Address: 2501 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park Area: A lush park that was once part of the erstwhile Hotel Moraine's grounds, Moraine Park is home to wildlife such as white-tailed deer as well as Highland Parks 300-foot-long dog beach. Cleanliness: Everything -- from the long path to reach the beach, to the sand, to the water -- is well-maintained, thanks in part to the use of ever-present waste bags throughout the park. Congestion: With only 250 dogs registered to use the beach last year, the dogs generally have ample room to roam. Nearest temptation: National chain Pet Supplies Plus, 1634 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, sells a slew of affordable toys, food and grooming products. Admission: Every dog is required to have a permit, which is $40 a dog for Highland Park residents and $140 a dog for non-residents. Before getting a permit, which is sold at the Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park, owners must show proof that the dog is vaccinated and in good health. (Photo: Elisabeth Stone pets her dog Louis, a standard poodle, at the Moraine Park Dog Beach.)

Address: 2501 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park Area: A lush park that was once part of the erstwhile Hotel Moraine's grounds, Moraine Park is home to wildlife such as white-tailed deer as well as Highland Parks 300-foot-long dog beach. Cleanliness: Everything -- from the long path to reach the beach, to the sand, to the water -- is well-maintained, thanks in part to the use of ever-present waste bags throughout the park. Congestion: With only 250 dogs registered to use the beach last year, the dogs generally have ample room to roam. Nearest temptation: National chain Pet Supplies Plus, 1634 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, sells a slew of affordable toys, food and grooming products. Admission: Every dog is required to have a permit, which is $40 a dog for Highland Park residents and $140 a dog for non-residents. Before getting a permit, which is sold at the Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park, owners must show proof that the dog is vaccinated and in good health. (Photo: Elisabeth Stone pets her dog Louis, a standard poodle, at the Moraine Park Dog Beach.) (Tribune photo by Lane Christiansen)

Rare a decade ago, dog-friendly sections of the lakefront now number six in the Chicago area, from Belmont Harbor in the city to north suburban Lake Bluff. But not all dog beaches are alike. Some are tranquil spots hidden below scenic bluffs. Some are little more than a tiny strip of sand. We recently spent an afternoon on a 31-mile trek from Lakeview to Lake Bluff, checking out the dog beaches. Here's what we found. -- Zak Stambor, Special to the Tribune